WASHINGTON, April 17, 2013 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking nominations to serve on the United Sorghum Checkoff Program Board.

Vacancies for four producer member positions will occur in Kansas (2), Texas, and for one At-Large position.

Any sorghum producer within the United States that owns or shares in the ownership and risk of loss of sorghum can be considered for nomination. All eligible producers are invited to seek nomination by June 1, 2013. A sorghum producer must be nominated by a Certified Producer Organization and submit a completed application.

USDA encourages board membership that reflects the diversity of the individuals served by its industry. Diversity includes gender, race, disability, length of service, and size and type of operation.

Composed of 13 members, the board administers a research and promotion program authorized by the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996. The Secretary of Agriculture selects appointees from producers nominated by Certified Nominating Organizations.

Research and promotion programs are industry-funded, authorized by Congress, and date back to 1966. Since then, Congress has authorized the establishment of 20 research and promotion boards. They empower farmers and ranchers to leverage their own resources to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets, and conduct important research and promotion activities. AMS provides oversight, paid for by industry assessments, which ensures fiscal responsibility, program efficiency and fair treatment of participating stakeholders.